Starting Monday, the City of Hays will begin its routine bi-yearly distribution system burnout in an effort to control distribution biofilm.

It is essential that biofilm be eliminated from the system to ensure proper water infrastructure maintenance and quality. Biofilming is when a slight film can start to grow on the inside of the distribution pipe. Biofilming can cause water to have a bad taste and smell which can lead to nitrification which would cause corrosive water. This is the sixth time the city has utilized the burnout procedure. Specifically, this took place in 2006, 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2014.

This common industry practice is used in cities throughout the country. Regionally, Post Rock Rural Water District, City of Stockton, and many others burnout annually.

The burnout will be accomplished by changing from our usual combined chlorine process for up to approximately 11 weeks. This will give the free chlorine process time to move through the entire distribution system.

Residents can expect a slight chlorine odor as the procedure moves through the system. The odor should not last more than a couple of days. The water is not harmful and is perfectly safe to use and consume.

Once the burnout is completed, the city will return to its normal process of combined chlorine.

For more information, call (785) 628-7380.